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Other sources of financial aid for the repair of churches

Although your church may not be a Scheduled Ancient Monument, it will probably have been included in the Statutory Lists of Buildings of Special Architectural or Historic Interest and it may be in a Conservation Area. This information, with its category (if listed) and possibly a useful brief description, may be obtained from the Planning or Development Department of your local Council. It is always desirable to ensure your local representatives are aware of your problem and kept informed.

Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme

www.lpwscheme.org.uk

If your building is listed, VAT on repair works is recoverable under the Listed Places of Worship Grant Scheme. All VAT has to be paid in full and then VAT on repairs recovered. For further information see www.lpwscheme.org.uk, or ring 0845 601 5945, or write to PO Box 609, Newport, Gwent. NP1 0 8QD.

Local authorities

Local Authorities have the power to make grants or loans toward the repair and maintenance of buildings considered by them to be of historic or architectural interest. These need not be listed buildings. Such grants are usually available through the local Planning Department.

Historic Scotland & Heritage Lottery Fund

www.historic-scotland.gov.uk

www.hlf.org.uk

For repair work to listed buildings between £10,000 and £200,000, Repair Grants for Places of Worship in Scotland are made jointly by Historic Scotland and the Heritage Lottery Fund. Further information from the Heritage Lottery Fund, 28 Thistle Street, Edinburgh EH2 1EN, telephone 0131 225 9450.

Other grants may be available from the Heritage Lottery Fund depending on the nature of work and the cost.

The Pilgrim Trust

www.thepilgrimtrust.org.uk

www.careofchurches.org.uk

The Pilgrim Trust makes an annual block grant to The Council for the Care of Churches, 5th Floor, Church House, Great Smith Street, London SW1P 3NZ, telephone 020 7898 1866, for the conservation of historic contents (organs, bells, glass, monuments, etc) and important monuments in churchyards or places of worship of all denominations. Applications should be made direct to the Council.

Landfill Tax Credit Scheme

www.ltcs.org.uk

If your church is in the vicinity (ten miles) of a landfill site, see if you are eligible under the Landfill Tax Credit Scheme. Further information from ENTRUST, 6th Floor Acre House, Sale, Cheshire M33 7WZ.

Denominational Trusts and Funds exist which are able to assist the repair, restoration and improvements of church buildings, halls and ministers' residences. Information may be obtained from the denomination's headquarters.

Private Trusts and Foundations

The Scottish Civic Trust publishes a Directory of Grants for Places of Worship on behalf of Historic Scotland. Available for £5 from The Scottish Civic Trust, 42 Miller Street, Glasgow G1 1DT (www.scottishcivictrust.org.uk)

  • Allchurches Trust Ltd. Application form and guidelines from Allchurches Trust Ltd, Beaufort House, Brunswick Road, Gloucester GL1 1JZ (www.allchurches.co.uk)
  • The Baird Trust gives grants for the building and repair of Church of Scotland churches and halls, but not manses. 182 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HG
  • The Chase Charity for rural churches in small parishes. Guidelines from The Chase Charity, 2 The Court, High Street, Harwell, Didcot, OX11 OEY (www.chase-charity.org.uk)
  • Dalrymple Donaldson Fund gives grants for the restoration and repair of buildings of historical and antiquarian interest. Secretary: Mrs Irene Hughson, Banklug Farm, Neilston, East Renfrewshire G78 3AY
  • Ferguson Bequest Fund for Church of Scotland churches and halls in the counties of Ayr, Dumbarton, Kirkcudbright, Lanark, Renfrew and Wigtown. 182 Bath Street, Glasgow G2 4HG
  • Garfield Weston Foundation. Application form and guidelines from The Garfield Weston Foundation, Weston Centre, Bowater House, 68 Knightsbridge, London SW1X 7LR
  • The Glaziers Trust for stained glass. Application form and guidelines from The Glaziers Trust, Glaziers Company, 24 Borough High Street, London SE1 9QG (www.worshipfulglaziers.com)
  • Idlewild Trust. Application form and guidelines from Idlewild Trust, 1A Taylors Yard, 67 Alderbrook Road, London SW12 8AD (www.idlewildtrust.org.uk)

Finally, find out where similar projects in your area have gained funds and try local solicitors for information about local trusts.

Other links

Scotland's Churches Scheme

www.churchesinscotland.co.uk

Scotland's Churches Scheme is an ecumenical charitable trust, providing an opportunity to access the nation's ecclesiastical heritage by assisting churches in membership to work together with others to make the Church the focus of the community, open their doors with a welcoming presence, tell the story of the building (however old or new), its purpose and heritage (artistic, architectural and historical), provide information and care for visitors, young and old.

Church of England Church Care

www.churchcare.co.uk

The Church of England Church Care website has useful information about the maintenance of church buildings, including a calendar of care.